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at the 2020 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

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Fringe Society publishes results of venue workers’ survey

17 January 2018

In October 2017, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society commissioned an independent survey of Fringe workers, with the aim of developing a more detailed picture of the working lives of the many individuals that make the festival happen each year.

497 people took part in the survey from 60 different organisations, in roles ranging from Front of House to Box Office, Technical to Bar and Catering. This represents the largest survey ever undertaken into working conditions at the Fringe and, as a result, we have generated a huge amount of quantitative and qualitative information that will inform the advice and guidance we give to venues and participants going forward.

The survey itself was entirely confidential and we cannot comment on specific issues raised; however, in the interests of openness and transparency, the Fringe Society has published the full aggregated survey results.

“We are grateful to the nearly 500 Fringe workers who took part in our survey, which has helped build a detailed picture of working conditions and pay across the festival. As the organisation that underpins the festival, it is encouraging to hear that 90% of respondents would choose to work at the Fringe again, and that 83% were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall Fringe experience.

“The Society is mindful, though, that work still needs to be done to ensure everyone’s Fringe experience is as positive as it can be. Over the next few months we will be working closely with participants, venues and the City of Edinburgh Council to address areas for improvement identified by the survey, from pay and contracts to working conditions and staff welfare, and will look to have a number of measures in place before the start of the 2018 Fringe.”